Firefighters and the Planes of Fame Airshow

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On May 15th and 16th, 2010, vintage airplanes and their pilots gave spectators quite an experience at the 2010 Chino Planes of Fame Air Show. Over 40,000 visitors watched this amazing performance over Chino Airport in Chino, California.

This event would not have been possible without its many sponsors including various companies, organizations, and individuals. Sponsors for the 2010 Planes of Fame Air Show included the County of San Bernardino, Ace Clearwater Enterprises, the Daily Bulletin, Hilton Hotels and many more. The following veterans also attended the event recounting their stories and enjoying the show: John Alison, Bud Anderson, Vi Cowden, John Doolittle, Bill Holloman, Huie Lamb, Wilbur Richardson and Bill Spengler. 

The event would also not have been possible without the support of the first responders who were on hand in the case of an emergency.

Airport Safety Officer with Ontario Fire, Randy Horstmeyer, remarks, "Watching these historic planes flying around and you don't see them everyday you know. It's something to really cherish because these aircraft aren't gonna be here forever. There is only three flying in the world today and one of them is stationed here. It's really cool."

Ontario Firefighter Randy Horstmeyer was on duty at this event with what he says is the best seat in the house - right on the runway. "It's exciting for me because I like watching the aircraft. These are pretty small aircraft so we are not too worried. If something was to happen we would definitely have the ability to take care of the situation with a rig we have."

The Planes of Fame Air Show is such an anticipated and amazing event that Ontario firefighters voluntarily sign up to work prior to the event. Horstmeyer expresses how it is a competitive process to get work at the air show when he says, "Everybody would like to come out here, but they can only send a couple so I got lucky!"

Chino Valley firefighters were on stand-by in case of any emergency. "Out here today we have Medic Engine 63A, and we also have our foam pumper as well to deal with any type of fire that may occur on the airport," explains Chino Valley Fire Inspector Ryan Dacko. Fortunately, there have never been any incidents or emergencies at the Chino Air Show, which is in its second decade. According to Dacko, the Chino Air Show is ranked second in the nation due to the rarity of the planes that are featured.

Visitors are not allowed on the runway, but they do get to examine rare World War II planes and other aircraft. Fire Inspector Dacko says, "What makes me nervous is watching the crowd and how close the airplanes do come to the crowd, but they have some really good pilots and they take every safety measure that they can."

A safe, thrilling and incident free event occurred again this year at the air show. Mark your calendars for next year's "Planes of Fame Air Show", that will take place May 14-15, 2011.



Author:Deanne Goodman - Video, Renée Marquart - Text